This is a commonly-asked question, when planning to print in China. Here are some of the basics you need to know.
Will your book require pre-press?
This is the stage just after final design and just before files get sent to the printer. You should allow about 4 weeks for this stage if you wish to review at least a couple of rounds of colour proofs. When you are satisfied with the colour reproduction, these are the proofs that accompany the print ready PDFs to the chosen printer.
As soon as files reach the printer, they are processed and you can expect to receive ozalids in about one week. An ozalid is the final checking stage before the printer starts the press. The length of time for checking the ozalid can vary from a few days to a full week, depending on your required delivery date. Minor corrections can be made at this stage, with revised files and revised ozalids going back and forward until full approval is given.
The next stage is the actual printing and binding of your book and you should allow 4 weeks for this manufacturing process. Complex books, large print runs and books with many embellishments can take 5 weeks or more.
Shipping your books comes next and the timeframes here depend on exactly where your final destination is. You can generally say door-to-door delivery will take from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the warehouse location and country of destination.
The should help you plan your schedule. If you are having difficulty planning your schedule, just drop us a line and we can help you.